U.S. patent application number 12/866422 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-23 for power source controller of electrical discharge machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Kazunari Morita, Hiroshi Ukai.
Application Number | 20100320173 12/866422 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40951852 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100320173 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ukai; Hiroshi ; et
al. |
December 23, 2010 |
POWER SOURCE CONTROLLER OF ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE MACHINE
Abstract
A discharge pulse control device cuts off a pulse width of the a
discharge pulse being produced in a machining gap when a comparison
result of a voltage level comparator indicates abnormal electrical
discharge. Upon detection of abnormal electrical discharge based on
comparison results of a high-frequency component comparator and the
voltage level comparator, a quiescent period control unit
constructed from a discharge pulse diagnosis device, a first pulse
counter, a second pulse counter, and a quiescent pulse control
device performs change setting of the quiescent period at the time
of occurrence of abnormal electrical discharge and sends that
information to the discharge pulse control device. Subsequently,
the discharge pulse control device performs change control of the
quiescent period at the time of occurrence of abnormal electrical
discharge so that the discharge pulse and the quiescent time are
optimally controlled.
Inventors: |
Ukai; Hiroshi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Morita; Kazunari; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE MION, PLLC
2100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W., SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20037
US
|
Assignee: |
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC
CORPORATION
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
40951852 |
Appl. No.: |
12/866422 |
Filed: |
February 6, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
February 6, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2008/051972 |
371 Date: |
August 16, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
219/69.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B23H 1/022 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
219/69.13 |
International
Class: |
B23H 7/14 20060101
B23H007/14 |
Claims
1. A power source controller of an electrical discharge machine for
controlling a discharge pulse width and a quiescent period of a
pulse discharge produced in a machining gap of the electrical
discharge machine, comprising: a high-frequency component detecting
unit that detects a high-frequency component superimposed on a
discharge voltage at time of electrical discharge occurring in the
machining gap; a voltage level detecting unit that detects a
voltage level of the discharge voltage; a high-frequency component
comparator that compares a magnitude relation between the
high-frequency component detected by the high-frequency component
detecting unit and a high-frequency component reference value; a
voltage level comparator that compares a magnitude relation between
the voltage level detected by the voltage level detecting unit and
a voltage level reference value; and a quiescent period control
unit that, when abnormal electrical discharge is detected, outputs,
based on a comparison result of the high-frequency component
comparator and a comparison result of the voltage level comparator,
a quiescent pulse that indicates an appropriate change in length of
the quiescent period according to mode of occurrence of abnormal
electrical discharge.
2. The power source controller of the electrical discharge machine
according to claim 1, wherein, when normal electrical discharge is
subsequently detected, the quiescent period control unit outputs a
quiescent pulse that indicates changing a lengthened quiescent
period to a length for an appropriate discharge pulse width.
3. The power source controller of the electrical discharge machine
according to claim 1, further comprising a discharge pulse control
unit that, when a comparison result of the voltage level comparator
indicates abnormal electrical discharge, reduces the discharge
pulse width by cutting off application of voltage to the machining
gap and subsequently performs change control of the quiescent
period, which lasts until application of voltage to the machining
gap, according to a quiescent period indicated by the quiescent
pulse.
4. The power source controller of the electrical discharge machine
according to claim 1, wherein the quiescent period control unit
comprises a discharge pulse diagnosis unit that performs diagnosis
of a discharge pulse produced in the machining gap based on a
comparison result of the high-frequency component comparator and a
comparison result of the voltage level comparator; a first pulse
counter that counts a first predetermined number of times for which
the discharge pulse diagnosis unit determines a normal discharge
pulse in succession; a second pulse counter that counts a second
predetermined number of times for which the discharge pulse
diagnosis unit determines an abnormal discharge pulse in
succession; and a quiescent pulse control unit that generates and
outputs the quiescent pulse that indicates a quiescent period
determined based on whether each of the first pulse counter and the
second pulse counter has counted for corresponding predetermined
number of times.
5. The power source controller of the electrical discharge machine
according to claim 1, further comprising a reference value setting
unit that sets the high-frequency component reference value and the
voltage level reference value according to material of a machining
electrode and a machining object that form the machining gap.
6. The power source controller of the electrical discharge machine
according to claim 1, wherein, when performing quiescent period
control, the quiescent period control unit also controls machining
conditions including jump-down time and jump-up distance.
7. The power source controller of the electrical discharge machine
according to claim 1, further comprising an input device that is
used for inputting number of discharge pulses to be thinned-out to
the discharge pulse control unit.
8. The power source controller of the electrical discharge machine
according to claim 1, further comprising: a mean quiescent
calculating unit that calculates a mean value of quiescent period
subjected to change control by the quiescent period control unit; a
machining stability recognizing unit that recognizes an electrical
discharge machining state using length of mean quiescent period
calculated by the mean quiescent calculating unit as an index for
stability/instability; a normal discharge pulse counter that counts
a number of times for which the quiescent period control unit
determines a normal discharge pulse; an abnormal discharge pulse
counter that counts a number of times for which the quiescent
period control unit determines an abnormal discharge pulse; a
normal discharge pulse incidence measuring unit that measures
normal discharge pulse incidence based on a count value of the
normal discharge pulse counter and a count value of the abnormal
discharge pulse counter; and a machining condition control unit
that refers to a recognition state of the machining stability
recognizing unit and switches a machining condition in such a way
that the normal discharge pulse incidence increases.
9. The power source controller of the electrical discharge machine
according to claim 1, further comprising: a mean quiescent
calculating unit that calculates a mean value of quiescent period
subjected to change control by the quiescent period control unit; a
machining stability recognizing unit that recognizes an electrical
discharge machining state using length of mean quiescent period
calculated by the mean quiescent calculating unit as an index for
stability/instability; a normal discharge pulse counter that counts
a number of times for which the quiescent period control unit
determines a normal discharge pulse; and a machining condition
control unit that refers to a recognition state of the machining
stability recognizing unit and switches a machining condition in
such a way that the normal discharge pulse incidence increases.
10. A power source controller of an electrical discharge machine
for controlling a discharge pulse width and a quiescent period of a
pulse discharge produced in a machining gap of the electrical
discharge machine, comprising: a high-frequency component detecting
unit that detects a high-frequency component superimposed on a
discharge voltage at time of electrical discharge occurring in the
machining gap; a voltage level detecting unit that detects a
voltage level of the discharge voltage; a high-frequency component
comparator that compares a magnitude relation between the
high-frequency component detected by the high-frequency component
detecting unit and a high-frequency component reference value; a
voltage level comparator that compares a magnitude relation between
the voltage level detected by the voltage level detecting unit and
a voltage level reference value; and a thin-out number control unit
that, when abnormal electrical discharge is detected, indicates,
based on a comparison result of the high-frequency component
comparator and a comparison result of the voltage level comparator,
an appropriate change in number of discharge pulses to be
thinned-out produced in the machining gap according to mode of
occurrence of abnormal electrical discharge.
11. The power source controller of the electrical discharge machine
according to claim 10, wherein, when normal electrical discharge is
subsequently detected, the thin-out number control unit indicates
changing the increased thin-out number to a number for an
appropriate discharge pulse width.
12. The power source controller of the electrical discharge machine
according to claim 10, further comprising a discharge pulse control
unit that, when a comparison result of the voltage level comparator
indicates abnormal electrical discharge, reduces the discharge
pulse width by cutting off application of voltage to the machining
gap and subsequently performs change control of the number of
discharge pulses generated in the machining gap according to the
thin-out number indicated by the thin-out number control unit.
13. The power source controller of the electrical discharge machine
according to claim 10, wherein the thin-out number control unit
comprises a discharge pulse diagnosis unit that performs diagnosis
of a discharge pulse produced in the machining gap based on a
comparison result of the high-frequency component comparator and a
comparison result of the voltage level comparator; a first pulse
counter that counts a first predetermined number of times for which
the discharge pulse diagnosis unit determines a normal discharge
pulse in succession; a second pulse counter that counts a second
predetermined number of times for which the discharge pulse
diagnosis unit determines an abnormal discharge pulse in
succession; and a thin-out number deciding unit that generates and
outputs the thin-out number based on whether each of the first
pulse counter and the second pulse counter has counted for
corresponding predetermined number of times.
14. The power source controller of the electrical discharge machine
according to claim 10, further comprising a reference value setting
unit that sets the high-frequency component reference value and the
voltage level reference value according to material of a machining
electrode and a machining object that form the machining gap.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a power source controller
for controlling a pulse discharge produced in a machining gap of a
die-sinking electrical discharge machine.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A die-sinking electrical discharge machine performs
electrical discharge machining on a machining object by producing a
pulse discharge in a machining gap that is formed by disposing a
machining electrode and the machining object opposite to each
other. In a die-sinking electrical discharge machine, a power
source controller controls a machining power source used for
applying a machining voltage to the machining gap and controls the
discharge pulse width (discharge duration) and the quiescent period
of the pulse discharge produced in the machining gap.
[0003] Thus, a power source controller of a die-sinking electrical
discharge machine is required to have the capability of maintaining
the machining state at an optimum state. Hence, conventionally,
various technologies have been disclosed for determining the
electrical discharge state at the time of machining discharge (for
example, Patent Literature 1, Patent Literature 2, etc.)
[0004] For example, in Patent Literature 1, a technology is
disclosed for determining the electrical discharge state at the
time of machining discharge by making use of a magnitude relation
between a high-frequency component, which is superimposed on the
discharge voltage at the time of machining discharge, and a
reference value (see FIGS. 7 and 8 in Patent Literature 1). In
addition, for the case when a discharge pulse produced in the
machining gap is determined to be an abnormal discharge pulse on
the basis of the magnitude relation between the high-frequency
component and the reference value, a technology is disclosed for
controlling the machining conditions in such a way that the
electrical discharge state and the machining efficiency improves
with the control of the quiescent period (see FIGS. 30 and 31 in
Patent Literature 1).
[0005] In Patent Literature 2, a technology is disclosed for
determining the electrical discharge state from a discharge voltage
level at the time of electrical discharge machining that is
detected using a reading window (see FIG. 1, FIG. 2 in Patent
Literature 2).
[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open
No. H5-293714 (FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 30, FIG. 31) Patent Literature
2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. S61-159326 (FIG. 1,
FIG. 2)
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Problem to be Solved by the Invention
[0007] However, in a die-sinking electrical discharge machine, if
the electrical discharge state deteriorates or if abnormality
occurs in the electrical discharge phenomenon, then an abnormal
electrical discharge (what is known as arc discharge) occurs and
appears in the form of a decrease in the discharge voltage. Such
decrease in the discharge voltage is a common phenomenon when the
machining electrode is made of graphite material or the like.
[0008] In Patent Literature 1, if a high-frequency component is
superimposed on a discharge voltage that has decreased due to the
occurrence of abnormal electrical discharge, then the configuration
for detecting high-frequency components (FIG. 7) happens to detect
that high-frequency component superimposed on the decreased
discharge voltage. That makes it difficult to detect high-frequency
components at the time of normal electrical discharge although such
high-frequency components are supposed to be detected. For that
reason, the machining state cannot be recognized in a correct
manner.
[0009] Meanwhile, a decrease in the discharge voltage due to the
occurrence of abnormal electrical discharge results in lowered
efficiency in the electrical discharge machining. Hence, in such an
electrical discharge state, the discharge pulse width should not be
maintained at the predetermined width. However, in the
configuration for controlling the quiescent period (FIG. 30)
disclosed in Patent Literature 1, the determination of the
electrical discharge stare is performed at the end of the discharge
pulse width. Therefore, within the duration of the discharge pulse
width, the decreased discharge voltage is maintained without
change. Thus, although the discharge voltage decreases, it is not
possible to eliminate the duration of occurrence of the decreased
discharge voltage. For that reason, the discharge pulse width
cannot be controlled in an optimal manner.
[0010] In the technology for comparing voltage levels detected
using a reading window as disclosed in Patent Literature 2, there
are times when a decrease in the voltage cannot be detected.
Moreover, when the machining electrode is made of graphite
material, it is not possible to reduce the granular projections
that come into existence by adhesion of carbide onto the electrode
corner portion.
[0011] Besides, in die-sinking electrical discharge machine, if the
machining electrode or the machining object is made of a special
material, then sometimes the level of the high-frequency component
superimposed on the discharge voltage decreases or sometimes the
high-frequency component does not appear for either of normal
electrical discharge and abnormal electrical discharge. Hence, as
disclosed in Patent Literature 1, in the configuration for
determining the electrical discharge state only by detecting the
high-frequency component (FIG. 7), the occurrence of abnormal
electrical discharge goes undetected.
[0012] The present invention has been made in view of the above and
it is an object of the present invention to provide a power source
controller of an electrical discharge machine that, even if the
discharge voltage decreases due to the occurrence of abnormal
electrical discharge, accurately detects the electrical discharge
state and controls the discharge pulse width and the quiescent
period in an optimal manner.
Means for Solving Problem
[0013] To achieve the object, according to the present invention, a
power source controller of an electrical discharge machine for
controlling a discharge pulse width and a quiescent period of a
pulse discharge produced in a machining gap of the electrical
discharge machine includes: a high-frequency component detecting
unit that detects a high-frequency component superimposed on a
discharge voltage at time of electrical discharge occurring in the
machining gap; a voltage level detecting unit that detects a
voltage level of the discharge voltage; a high-frequency component
comparator that compares a magnitude relation between the
high-frequency component detected by the high-frequency component
detecting unit and a high-frequency component reference value; a
voltage level comparator that compares a magnitude relation between
the voltage level detected by the voltage level detecting unit and
a voltage level reference value; and a quiescent period control
unit that, when abnormal electrical discharge is detected, outputs,
based on a comparison result of the high-frequency component
comparator and a comparison result of the voltage level comparator,
a quiescent pulse that indicates an appropriate change in length of
the quiescent period according to mode of occurrence of abnormal
electrical discharge.
EFFECT OF THE INVENTION
[0014] According to an aspect of the present invention, even if the
discharge voltage decreases due to the occurrence of abnormal
electrical discharge, it is possible to accurately detect the
electrical discharge state and control the discharge pulse width
and the quiescent period in an optimal manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a
power source controller of an electrical discharge machine
according to a first embodiment of the present embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a waveform chart explaining the operations
performed by components, except a quiescent period control unit, of
the power source controller illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a flowchart explaining a quiescent period control
operation performed by the quiescent period control unit in the
power source controller illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a machining characteristic diagram illustrating a
comparison between the machining characteristic according to the
first embodiment and the machining characteristic according to the
conventional technology.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a
power source controller of an electrical discharge machine
according to a second embodiment of the present embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a flowchart explaining the operations performed by
a machining condition control device illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a machining characteristic diagram illustrating a
comparison between the machining characteristic according to the
second embodiment and the machining characteristic according to the
conventional technology.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a
power source controller of an electrical discharge machine
according to a third embodiment of the present embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a machining characteristic diagram illustrating a
comparison between the machining characteristic according to the
third embodiment and the machining characteristic according to the
conventional technology.
EXPLANATIONS OF LETTERS OR NUMERALS
[0024] 1 Machining power source [0025] 2 Machining electrode [0026]
3 Machining object [0027] 4 High-pass filter [0028] 5 Rectifier
instrument [0029] 6 Integrating circuit [0030] 7 Reset transistor
[0031] 8 High-frequency component comparator [0032] 9 Discharge
voltage detecting device [0033] 10 Discharge current detecting
device [0034] 11, 13 AND circuit [0035] 12 Time constant measuring
device [0036] 15a, 15b Reference value setting device [0037] 20
Machining voltage level detecting device [0038] 21 Voltage level
comparator [0039] 22 Discharge pulse control device [0040] 23
Discharge pulse diagnosis device [0041] 24 First pulse counter
[0042] 25 Second pulse counter [0043] 26 Quiescent pulse control
device [0044] 29 Quiescent period control unit [0045] 40 Third
pulse counter [0046] 41 Fourth pulse counter [0047] 42 Normal
discharge pulse incidence measuring device [0048] 43 Mean quiescent
calculating device [0049] 44 Machining stability recognizing device
[0050] 45 Machining condition control device
BEST MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0051] Exemplary embodiments for a power source controller of an
electrical discharge machine according to the present invention
will be described below in detail with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
First Embodiment
[0052] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a
power source controller of an electrical discharge machine
according to a first embodiment of the present embodiment. In FIG.
1, under the control of a discharge pulse control device 22, a
machining power source 1 applies, to a machining gap formed by
disposing a machining electrode 2 and a machining object 3 opposite
to each other, a machining voltage that produces a pulse discharge
with the discharge voltage (discharge pulse) of a predetermined
pulse width.
[0053] A high-pass filter 4 extracts a high-frequency component
that is superimposed on the discharge voltage at the time when a
machining discharge occurs in the machining gap. A rectifier
instrument 5 performs rectification/smoothing of the high-frequency
component output by the high-pass filter 4 and then sends the
high-frequency component to an integrating circuit 6.
[0054] The integrating circuit 6 includes an operating amplifier
OP, a resistor R1 that is disposed in between the output terminal
of the rectifier instrument 5 and the inverting input terminal (-)
of the operating amplifier OP, and a capacitor C1 that is disposed
in between the inverting input terminal (-) and the output terminal
of the operating amplifier OP. The non-inverting input terminal (+)
of the operating amplifier OP is connected to the circuit
ground.
[0055] A reset transistor 7 has its emitter terminal connected to
one end of the capacitor C1 and to the inverting input terminal (-)
of the operating amplifier OP, has its collector terminal connected
to the other end of the capacitor C1 and to the output terminal of
the operating amplifier OP, and has its base terminal connected to
the output terminal of an AND circuit 13. The reset transistor 7
switches to an ON operating state when the output level of the AND
circuit 13 is at a low level (hereinafter referred to as "L level")
and switches to an OFF operating state when the output level of the
AND circuit 13 is at a high level (hereinafter referred to as "H
level").
[0056] A high-frequency component comparator 8 has its inverting
input terminal (-) connected to the output terminal of the
operating amplifier OP and has its non-inverting input terminal (+)
applied with a reference voltage Vref that is the high-frequency
component reference value output from a reference value setting
device 15a.
[0057] Thus, when the value of an integral output by the
integrating circuit 6 does not exceed the reference voltage Vref,
the high-frequency component comparator 8 sets the output level to
the H level indicating that the discharge pulse being produced in
the machining gap is an abnormal discharge pulse. When the value of
the integral output by the integrating circuit 6 exceeds the
reference voltage Vref, the high-frequency component comparator 8
sets the output level to the L level indicating that the discharge
pulse being produced in the machining gap is a normal discharge
pulse. The output of the high-frequency component comparator 8 is
input to a discharge pulse diagnosis device 23.
[0058] A discharge voltage detecting device 9 detects the discharge
voltage at the time when the machining discharge occurs in the
machining gap and outputs that discharge voltage to an AND circuit
11. A discharge current detecting device 10 detects the discharge
current at the time when the machining discharge occurs in the
machining gap and sends that discharge current to the AND circuit
11 while performing voltage conversion. For a period of time in
which both the inputs are at the H level, the AND circuit 11 sets
the output level to the L level. The output of the AND circuit 11
is input to a time constant measuring device 12 and to the AND
circuit 13.
[0059] The time constant measuring device 12 is a delaying circuit
that delays the timing at which the output of the AND circuit 11
falls from the H level to the L level by an amount of time
equivalent to a time constant of the high-pass filter 4 and then
outputs the delayed timing to the AND circuit 13. For a period of
time in which both the inputs are at the L level, the AND circuit
13 sets the output level to the L level.
[0060] The high-pass filter 4, the rectifier instrument 5, and the
integrating circuit 6 described above collectively correspond to a
high-frequency component detecting unit for detecting the
high-frequency component superimposed on the discharge voltage at
the time of a machining discharge occurring in the machining gap.
The high-frequency component comparator 8 corresponds to a
high-frequency component comparator having the same name. The
discharge voltage detecting device 9, the discharge current
detecting device 10, the AND circuit 11, the time constant
measuring device 12, the AND circuit 13, and the reset transistor 7
collectively construct a reset circuit for resetting the
integrating circuit 6. This is the configuration disclosed in, for
example, Patent Literature 1.
[0061] In the first embodiment, there are additionally disposed a
machining voltage level detecting device 20, which corresponds to a
voltage level detecting unit, and a voltage level comparator 21,
which corresponds to a voltage level comparator. Besides, a number
of functions have been added to the discharge pulse control device
22. Moreover, the discharge pulse diagnosis device 23, a first
pulse counter 24, a second pulse counter 25, and a quiescent pulse
control device 26 are disposed to collectively construct a
quiescent period control unit 29.
[0062] The machining voltage level detecting device 20 detects,
similarly to the discharge voltage detecting device 9, the
discharge voltage at the time when the machining discharge occurs
in the machining gap. Thus, although a single device can be used in
a shared manner, separate devices are illustrated to facilitate
understanding.
[0063] The voltage level comparator 21 has its inverting input
terminal (-) connected to the output terminal of the machining
voltage level detecting device 20 and has its non-inverting input
terminal (+) applied with a reference voltage Vc that is the
voltage level reference value output from the reference value
setting device 15a.
[0064] When the output level from the machining voltage level
detecting device 20 exceeds the reference voltage Vc, the voltage
level comparator 21 sets the output level to the L level indicating
that the discharge pulse being produced in the machining gap is a
normal discharge pulse. When the output level from the machining
voltage level detecting device 20 falls below the reference voltage
Vc, the voltage level comparator 21 sets the output level to the H
level indicating that the discharge pulse being produced in the
machining gap is an abnormal discharge pulse. Moreover, if the
output level from the machining voltage level detecting device 20
falls below the reference voltage Vc within the electrical
discharge period, then the voltage level comparator 21 raises the
output level from the L level to the H level at that point of time
thereby indicating that the discharge pulse being produced in the
machining gap has changed from a normal discharge pulse to an
abnormal discharge pulse. The output of the voltage level
comparator 21 is input to the discharge pulse control device 22 and
the discharge pulse diagnosis device 23.
[0065] At the end of the ordinary electrical discharge period in
the corresponding electrical discharge machining, the discharge
pulse diagnosis device 23 performs diagnosis for determining
whether the discharge pulse being produced in the machining gap is
a normal discharge pulse (normal pulse) or an abnormal discharge
pulse (faulty pulse) based on the comparison result of the
high-frequency component comparator 8 and the comparison result of
the voltage level comparator 21.
[0066] Specifically, when the output level from the voltage level
comparator 21 is at the L level and when the output level from the
high-frequency component comparator 8 is at the L level, the
discharge pulse diagnosis device 23 determines that the discharge
pulse is a normal pulse. In comparison, when the output level from
the voltage level comparator 21 is at the H level or when the
output level from the voltage level comparator 21 is at the L level
but the output level from the high-frequency component comparator 8
is at the H level, the discharge pulse diagnosis device 23
determines that the discharge pulse is a faulty pulse.
[0067] Upon determining that the discharge pulse is a normal pulse,
the discharge pulse diagnosis device 23 outputs that as a normality
determination pulse 27a to a count input terminal of the first
pulse counter 24 and a reset input terminal of the second pulse
counter 25. In contrast, upon determining that the discharge pulse
is a faulty pulse, the discharge pulse diagnosis device 23 outputs
that as a fault determination pulse 27b to a count input terminal
of the second pulse counter 25 and a reset input terminal of the
first pulse counter 24.
[0068] An output terminal of the first pulse counter 24 is
connected to the quiescent pulse control device 26 and to the reset
input terminal of the own counter. Similarly, an output terminal of
the second pulse counter 26 is connected to the quiescent pulse
control device 26 and to the reset reset input terminal of the own
counter.
[0069] The first pulse counter 24 counts the normality
determination pulse 27a input from the discharge pulse diagnosis
device 23 and outputs the count value sequentially to the quiescent
pulse control device 26. If the discharge pulse diagnosis device 23
outputs the fault determination pulse 27b during the counting
operation, then the count is reset at that point of time. When the
normality determination pulse 27a is counted for M number of times
in succession, the first pulse counter 24 outputs the count value M
to the quiescent pulse control device 26 and resets the own
counter.
[0070] The second pulse counter 25 counts the fault determination
pulse 27b input from the discharge pulse diagnosis device 23 and
outputs the count value sequentially to the quiescent pulse control
device 26. If the discharge pulse diagnosis device 23 outputs the
normality determination pulse 27a during the counting operation,
then the count is reset at that point of time. When the fault
determination pulse 27b is counted for L number of times in
succession, the second pulse counter 25 outputs the count value L
to the quiescent pulse control device 26 and resets the own
counter.
[0071] Based on whether the count value of the first pulse counter
is equal to M and whether the count value of the second pulse
counter is equal to L, the quiescent pulse control device 26
performs setting control of optimal quiescent period, generates a
quiescent pulse 28 having the pulse width equal to the set
quiescent period, and outputs the quiescent pulse 28 to the
discharge pulse control device 22.
[0072] The discharge pulse control device 22 monitors the output
level of the voltage level comparator 21 for any variation during
the ordinary electrical discharge period in the corresponding
electrical discharge machining and, if the output level of the
voltage level comparator 21 remains stable at the L level during
the ordinary electrical discharge period, determines that normal
electrical discharge is occurring. In that case, the discharge
pulse control device 22 controls the application of voltage with
respect to the machining power source 1 in order to cause repeated
generation of the discharge pulse having a predetermined discharge
voltage/pulse width in the machining gap with a predetermined
quiescent period secured in between the repeated generation.
[0073] Moreover, the discharge pulse control device 22 monitors the
output level of the voltage level comparator 21 for any variation
during the ordinary electrical discharge period in the
corresponding electrical discharge machining and, if the output
level rises from the L level to the H level during the ordinary
electrical discharge period, determines that abnormal electrical
discharge has occurred after normal electrical discharge during the
ordinary electrical discharge period. In that case, with respect to
the machining power source 1, the discharge pulse control device 22
performs control so that the pulse width of the discharge pulse
being produced in the machining gap is cut off at the normal
electrical discharge duration and the discharge pulse having the
reduced pulse width is repeatedly generated with a predetermined
quiescent period, which is indicated by the quiescent pulse 28
input from the quiescent pulse control device 26, secured in
between the repeated generation.
[0074] The explanation regarding operations is given with reference
to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 2 is a waveform chart explaining the
operations performed by the components, except the quiescent period
control unit, of the power source controller illustrated in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart explaining a quiescent period control
operation performed by the quiescent period control unit in the
power source controller illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0075] In FIG. 2, examples of operations performed by the
components, except the quiescent period control unit 29, at three
types of electrical discharge states (1) to (3) are illustrated as
waveforms (A) to (J). In the electrical discharge state (1),
examples of operations performed by the components are illustrated
when normal electrical discharge occurs during the ordinary
electrical discharge period. In the electrical discharge states (2)
and (3), examples of operations (first example and second example,
respectively) performed by the components are illustrated when
abnormal electrical discharge during the ordinary electrical
discharge period leads to the execution of cutoff control and
quiescent period control of the discharge pulse.
[0076] In the waveform (A) is represented a relation between
waveforms of three types of discharge voltages and the quiescent
period in the machining gap. In the waveform (B) is represented an
output signal waveform of the high-pass filter 4. In the waveform
(C) is represented an output signal waveform of the AND circuit 11.
In the waveform (D) is represented an output signal waveform of the
time constant measuring device 12. In the waveform (E) is
represented an output signal waveform of the AND circuit 13. In the
waveform (F) is represented an output signal waveform of the
integrating circuit 6. In the waveform (G) is represented an output
signal waveform of the machining voltage level detecting device 20.
In the waveform (H) is represented an output signal waveform of the
voltage level comparator 21. In the waveforms (I) and (J) are
respectively represented a first control signal waveform and a
second control signal waveform as control instructions issued by
the discharge pulse control device 22 to the machining power source
1.
[0077] FIG. 2 is given with the purpose of explaining the execution
of cutoff control of the discharge pulse at the time of occurrence
of abnormal electrical discharge that is carried out by the
discharge pulse control device 22 based on the comparison result of
the voltage level comparator 21. In that regard, the related
waveforms are the waveforms (G) to (J). Meanwhile, in the diagnosis
performed by the discharge pulse diagnosis device 23 of the
quiescent period control unit 29, the waveforms (B) to (F) as well
as the waveforms (G) to (J) are involved. In the conventional
technology, the electrical discharge state is determined only on
the basis of the waveforms (B) to (F).
[0078] In the waveform (A), each of reference numerals 30a, 30b,
and 30c represents a pre-machining-discharge machining voltage that
is applied to the machining gap and that falls down to a
predetermined discharge voltage level once the machining discharge
starts. Moreover, "Ton" represents the electrical discharge period
(discharge pulse width) and "Toff" represents a predetermined
quiescent period. In the first embodiment, upon occurrence of
abnormal electrical discharge, the quiescent period control unit 29
considers the quiescent period Toff as the unit quiescent period
and controls the length of the actual quiescent period by following
a sequence described later with reference to FIG. 3. Meanwhile,
".DELTA.Toff" is a quasi quiescent period in which no actual
operation is performed because the discharge pulse control device
22 cuts off the ordinary electrical discharge period (discharge
pulse width) due to the occurrence of abnormal electrical
discharge.
[0079] In the electrical discharge state (1) in the waveform (A),
it is illustrated that the machining discharge starts after the
elapse of a given applied time and the applied voltage 30a becomes
a discharge voltage 31a, which then decreases to become a discharge
voltage 31b. In the illustrated example, on each discharge voltage
is superimposed a high-frequency component 32 but the extent of
decrease from the discharge voltage 31a to the discharge voltage
31b is small. Hence, it is determined that normal electrical
discharge has occurred during the entire occurrence period of the
discharge voltage 31a and the discharge voltage 31b. In this case,
the control is performed so that the predetermined quiescent period
Toff is inserted after the elapse of the discharge pulse width Ton,
which corresponds to the ordinary electrical discharge period
(entire occurrence period of the discharge voltage 31a and the
discharge voltage 31b).
[0080] In the electrical discharge state (2) in the waveform (A),
it is illustrated that the machining discharge starts after the
elapse of an applied time that is almost identical to the applied
time in the electrical discharge state (1) and the applied voltage
30b becomes the discharge voltage 31a, which then decreases to
become a discharge voltage 31c. In the illustrated example, the
electrical discharge state is almost comparable with the electrical
discharge state (1). However, there is occurrence of abnormal
electrical discharge. Hence, although the superimposed
high-frequency component is small, the extent of decrease from the
discharge voltage 31a to the discharge voltage 31c is large.
Consequently, it is determined that abnormal electrical discharge
has occurred at the time of switching to the discharge voltage 31c
during the occurrence period of the discharge voltage 31a. In this
case, the ordinary electrical discharge period (entire occurrence
period of the discharge voltage 31a and the discharge voltage 31c)
is cut off at the end of the occurrence period of the discharge
voltage 31a. Moreover, after the elapse of the narrow discharge
pulse width Ton attributed to the occurrence period of the
discharge voltage 31a, the ordinary electrical discharge period is
forcibly terminated. The cut-off and eliminated occurrence period
of the discharge voltage 31c then becomes the period in which no
actual operation is performed (i.e., quasi quiescent period
.DELTA.Toff). Subsequently, it is illustrated that the
predetermined quiescent period Toff is inserted. The actual
quiescent period inserted after the elapse of the narrow discharge
pulse width Ton is determined such that the quiescent period
control unit 29 controls the length of the quiescent period Toff by
following the sequence described later with reference to FIG.
3.
[0081] In the electrical discharge state (3) in the waveform (A),
it is illustrated that the machining discharge starts after the
elapse of a short applied time and the applied voltage 30c becomes
the discharge voltage 31a, which then decreases to become a
discharge voltage 31d. In the illustrated example, the electrical
discharge state becomes more unstable than the electrical discharge
state (2) and there is occurrence of abnormal electrical discharge.
Hence, although the superimposed high-frequency component is small,
the extent of decrease from the discharge voltage 31a to the
discharge voltage 31d is large. Consequently, it is determined that
abnormal electrical discharge has occurred at the time of switching
to the discharge voltage 31d during the occurrence period of the
discharge voltage 31a. In this case, the ordinary electrical
discharge period (entire occurrence period of the discharge voltage
31a and the discharge voltage 31d) is cut off at the end of the
occurrence period of the discharge voltage 31a. Moreover, after the
elapse of the narrow discharge pulse width Ton attributed to the
occurrence period of the discharge voltage 31a, the ordinary
electrical discharge period is forcibly terminated. The cut-off and
eliminated occurrence period of the discharge voltage 31d then
becomes the period in which no actual operation is performed (i.e.,
quasi quiescent period .DELTA.Toff). Subsequently, it is
illustrated that the predetermined quiescent period Toff is
inserted. The actual quiescent period inserted after the elapse of
the narrow discharge pulse width Ton is determined such that the
quiescent period control unit 29 controls the length of the
quiescent period Toff by following the sequence described later
with reference to FIG. 3.
[0082] Given below is the detailed description, with reference to
the waveforms (B) to (F), of the operations performed by the
components in the electrical discharge states (1) to (3).
[0083] First, the operations performed by the high-frequency
component detecting unit are explained with reference to the
waveforms (B) to (F). In the reset circuit, each of the discharge
voltage detecting device 9 and the discharge current detecting
device 10 has the output level prior to the start of the machining
discharge set to the L level. Then, at a time t1 at which the
machining discharge starts, the output level is set to the H level;
and at a time t3 at which the machining discharge ends, the output
level is set to the L level from the H level. Thus, as illustrated
in the waveform (C), the output level of the AND circuit 11 is at
the H level prior to the start of the machining discharge, falls to
the L level at the time t1, remains at the L level until the time
t3 at which the machining discharge ends, and rises to the H level
at the time t3.
[0084] In the example given in FIG. 2, as illustrated in the
waveform (A), the electrical discharge waveforms (solid lines) in
the electrical discharge states (2) and (3) represent the
conditions after the discharge pulse width has been cut off, while
the electrical discharge waveform in the electrical discharge state
(1) represents the condition when the discharge pulse width is not
cut off. Hence, in the electrical discharge states (2) and (3), the
duration between the machining discharge start time t1 and the
machining discharge end time t3 is shorter than the corresponding
duration in the electrical discharge state (1).
[0085] As illustrated in the waveform (D), the time constant
measuring device 12 has the output level set to the H level for the
period starting from the discharge start time t1, at which the
output level of the AND circuit 11 falls to the L level, to a time
t2 that corresponds to an elapsed time equivalent to a time
constant tH of the high-pass filter 4.
[0086] Consequently, as illustrated in the waveform (E), the AND
circuit 13 has the output level set to the L level within the
period from the time t2 when both the inputs are at the L level to
the time t3. Moreover, in the example given in FIG. 2, the period
corresponding to the L level is long in the electrical discharge
state (1) but becomes shorter in the electrical discharge states
(2) and (3) because of the forcible termination.
[0087] In the high-pass filter 4, in the electrical discharge state
(1) as illustrated in the waveform (B), the high-frequency
component superimposed on the discharge voltage 31a is extracted
from the discharge start time t1 and the high-frequency component
superimposed on the discharge voltage 31b is extracted from the
time of switching to the discharge voltage 31b. In contrast, in the
electrical discharge states (2) and (3), since the high-frequency
components superimposed on the respective discharge voltages are
small even before performing the forcible termination, the
extracted amounts of the high-frequency components are extremely
small. Meanwhile, in the waveform (B), the reference numeral 33
represents a disturbance waveform attributed to the transient
property of the high-pass filter 4.
[0088] During the period when the output level of the AND circuit
13 is at the H level, the reset transistor 7 performs an ON
operation and the integrating circuit 6 is in a reset state. During
the period when the output level of the AND circuit 13 is at the L
level, the reset transistor 7 switches to an OFF operating state.
Thus, during that period, the integrating circuit 6 performs
integration regarding the high-frequency component extracted by the
high-pass filter 4.
[0089] Consequently, as illustrated in the waveform (F), the output
level of the integrating circuit 6 in the electrical discharge
state (1) exceeds the reference voltage Vref of the high-frequency
component comparator 8 because of a large amount of high-frequency
component extracted by the high-pass filter 4. However, in the
electrical discharge states (2) and (3), the output level of the
integrating circuit 6 falls below the reference voltage Vref of the
high-frequency component comparator 8 because the amount of
high-frequency component extracted by the high-pass filter 4 is
extremely small. In FIG. 2, although the output level of the
integrating circuit 6 in the electrical discharge states (2) and
(3) during the ordinary electrical discharge period without
forcible termination is not illustrated, that output level also
falls below the reference voltage Vref of the high-frequency
component comparator 8.
[0090] Accordingly, the high-frequency component comparator 8,
which compares the output level of the integrating circuit 6 with
the reference voltage Vref, has the output level set to the L level
in the electrical discharge state (1) thereby indicating normal
electrical discharge and has the output level set to the H level in
the electrical discharge states (2) and (3) thereby indicating
abnormal electrical discharge. Meanwhile, in the first embodiment,
the high-frequency component comparator 8 performs comparison with
the output level of the integrating circuit 6 during the ordinary
electrical discharge period without forcible termination. That is,
the high-frequency component comparator 8 does not perform
comparison with the output level of the integrating circuit 6
during the forcibly-terminated elapse time of the discharge pulse
width Ton in the electrical discharge states (2) and (3)
illustrated in the waveform (A).
[0091] In the conventional technology, the electrical discharge
state is determined only by performing high-frequency component
detection as described above. However, according to the
conventional technology, if the extracted amount of the
high-frequency component is large as illustrated by the electrical
discharge waveform in the electrical discharge state (1) in the
waveform (A), then, even if the extent of decrease in the voltage
from the discharge voltage 31a is large, the largely-decreased
discharge voltage is detected as normal voltage if the extracted
high-frequency component exceeds the reference voltage Vref. Hence,
it is difficult to accurately figure out the normal electrical
discharge period.
[0092] Moreover, if the extracted amount of the high-frequency
component is small as illustrated by the electrical discharge
waveform in the electrical discharge state (2) or the electrical
discharge state (3) in the waveform (A), then, even if the extent
of decrease from the discharge voltage 31a to the discharge voltage
31c or to the discharge voltage 31d is large, it is determined that
abnormal electrical discharge has occurred during the entire
electrical discharge period in both the electrical discharge states
(2) and (3) because the extracted high-frequency component falls
below the reference voltage Vref.
[0093] Thus, in the first embodiment, the machining voltage level
detecting device 20 and the voltage level comparator 21 are
disposed. Moreover, the discharge pulse control device 22 is
configured to perform cutoff control of the discharge pulse width
for eliminating the occurrence period of abnormal electrical
discharge based only on the comparison result of the voltage level
comparator 21. Besides, the discharge pulse control device 22 is
configured to perform insertion control of the quiescent period
including the occurrence period of eliminated abnormal electrical
discharge in accordance with the quiescent pulse 28 generated by
the quiescent period control unit 29 by following the sequence
described later with reference to FIG. 3.
[0094] In the electrical discharge state (1), the extent of
decrease from the discharge voltage 31a to the discharge voltage
31b is small. Therefore, as for the output level of the machining
voltage level detecting device 20, the discharge voltage 31b also
exceeds the reference voltage Vc of the voltage level comparator 21
as illustrated in the waveform (G). Consequently, during the entire
occurrence period of the discharge voltage 31a and the discharge
voltage 31b, the voltage level comparator 21 has the output level
at L level 35 indicating normal electrical discharge as illustrated
in the waveform (H).
[0095] In contrast, in the electrical discharge state (2), the
extent of decrease from the discharge voltage 31a to the discharge
voltage 31c is large. Therefore, as for the output level of the
machining voltage level detecting device 20, the discharge voltage
31c falls below the reference voltage Vc of the voltage level
comparator 21 as illustrated in the waveform (G). Consequently, as
illustrated in the waveform (H), the voltage level comparator 21
has the output level at the L level, which indicates normal
electrical discharge, during the occurrence period of the discharge
voltage 31a but has the output level at H level 36, which indicates
abnormal electrical discharge, during the occurrence period of the
discharge voltage 31c.
[0096] Similarly, in the electrical discharge state (3), the extent
of decrease from the discharge voltage 31a to the discharge voltage
31d is large. Therefore, as for the output level of the machining
voltage level detecting device 20, the discharge voltage 31d falls
below the reference voltage Vc of the voltage level comparator 21
as illustrated in the waveform (G). Consequently, as illustrated in
the waveform (H), the voltage level comparator 21 has the output
level at the L level, which indicates normal electrical discharge,
during the occurrence period of the discharge voltage 31a but has
the output level at H level 37, which indicates abnormal electrical
discharge, during the occurrence period of the discharge voltage
31d.
[0097] By setting the reference voltage Vc of the voltage level
comparator 21 to an appropriate voltage that enables performing
determination of whether a decrease in the voltage occurring during
the ordinary electrical discharge period is within the range to be
regarded as normal electrical discharge, it becomes possible to
accurately figure out the occurrence timing of abnormal electrical
discharge during the ordinary electrical discharge period and thus
detect the normal electrical discharge duration and the abnormal
electrical discharge duration within the ordinary electrical
discharge period.
[0098] The discharge pulse control device 22 makes use of the first
control signal and the second control signal represented by the
waveforms (I) and (J), respectively, to perform cutoff control of
the discharge pulse width and change control of the quiescent
period at the time of occurrence of abnormal electrical discharge.
In the waveforms (I) and (J), the period of H level is when the
machining power source 1 is applying a machining voltage and the
period of L level is when the machining power source 1 is not
applying the machining voltage.
[0099] The discharge pulse control device 22 first monitors the
output level of the voltage level comparator 21 for any variation
as described above while repeatedly sending the first control
signal represented by the waveform (I) to the machining power
source 1.
[0100] In the waveform (I), in each of the electrical discharge
states (1) to (3), a signal waveform is illustrated that is at the
H level during the ordinary electrical discharge period and is at
the L level during the subsequent ordinary quiescent period. The
machining power source 1 receives the first control signal
represented by the waveform (I) and applies, to the machining gap,
a machining voltage for causing repeated generation of a discharge
pulse having the ordinary pulse width with the ordinary quiescent
period secured in between the repeated generation.
[0101] As illustrated in the waveform (A), in the electrical
discharge state (1), the entire occurrence period of the discharge
voltage 31a and the discharge voltage 31b is the ordinary
electrical discharge time; in the electrical discharge state (2),
the entire occurrence period of the discharge voltage 31a and the
discharge voltage 31c is the ordinary electrical discharge time;
and in the electrical discharge state (3), the entire occurrence
period of the discharge voltage 31a and the discharge voltage 31d
is the ordinary electrical discharge time. Besides, the ordinary
quiescent period is equal to the quiescent period Toff. Hence, in
the waveform (I), in the electrical discharge state (1), the H
level is set for the entire occurrence period of the discharge
voltage 31a and the discharge voltage 31b; in the electrical
discharge state (2), the H level is set for the entire occurrence
period of the discharge voltage 31a and the discharge voltage 31c;
and in the electrical discharge state (3), the H level is set for
the entire occurrence period of the discharge voltage 31a and the
discharge voltage 31d.
[0102] While the first control signal represented by the waveform
(I) is being repeatedly output, if there is no variation as
described above in the output level of the voltage level comparator
21 and if the output level remains at the L level as illustrated in
the electrical discharge state (1), then the discharge pulse
control device 22 determines that normal electrical discharge has
occurred during the ordinary electrical discharge period and that
there has been no occurrence of abnormal electrical discharge. The
discharge pulse control device 22 then outputs the second control
signal represented by the waveform (J) that has a waveform similar
to the waveform (I). The machining power source 1 receives the
second control signal represented by the waveform (J) and,
similarly to that after receiving the first control signal,
applies, to the machining gap, a machining voltage for causing
repeated generation of a discharge pulse having the ordinary pulse
width with the ordinary quiescent period secured in between the
repeated generation.
[0103] While the first control signal represented by the waveform
(I) is being repeatedly output, if the output level of the voltage
level comparator 21 changes from the L level to the H level during
the ordinary electrical discharge period, then the discharge pulse
control device 22 determines that abnormal electrical discharge has
occurred during the ordinary electrical discharge period. The
discharge pulse control device 22 then cuts off the ordinary
electrical discharge period at the timing at which the output level
of the voltage level comparator 21 changes from the L level to the
H level and up to which normal electrical discharge has occurred.
Subsequently, in order to eliminate the period of abnormal
electrical discharge, the discharge pulse control device 22 outputs
the second control signal represented by the waveform (J) that has
a difference waveform than the waveform (I).
[0104] Thus, the second control signal waveform (J) used in the
electrical discharge states (2) and (3) is a waveform that is set
to the H level for the occurrence period of the discharge voltage
31a, which is the duration of occurrence of normal electrical
discharge, and then changes to the L level. The period
corresponding to the occurrence period of the discharge voltages
31c and 31d within the L level period in the second control signal
waveform (J) becomes the period in which no actual operation is
performed (i.e., quasi quiescent period .DELTA.Toff). Then,
according to the quiescent pulse 28 obtained from the quiescent
period control unit 29, the discharge pulse control device 22
outputs, to the machining power source 1, the second control signal
represented by the waveform (J) that determines a length of the
actual quiescent period that includes the period in which no actual
operation is performed.
[0105] The machining power source 1 receives the second control
signal represented by the waveform (J) and used in the electrical
discharge states (2) and (3), and applies to the machining gap a
machining voltage for causing repeated generation of a discharge
pulse having the occurrence period of the discharge voltage 31a as
the pulse width (discharge pulse width Ton) with the quiescent
period (quasi quiescent period .DELTA.Toff+quiescent period Toff)
secured in between the repeated generation. The electrical
discharge waveforms (solid lines) and the quiescent period in the
electrical discharge states (2) and (3) in the waveform (A) are
those that are set and controlled in the process described
above.
[0106] Explained below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 is the
quiescent period control operation performed by the quiescent
period control unit 29 that is collectively constructed from the
discharge pulse diagnosis device 23, the first pulse counter 24,
the second pulse counter 25, and the quiescent pulse control device
26. Herein, for the sake of simplicity in the explanation, it is
assumed that the discharge pulse control device 22 outputs the
second control signal represented by the waveform (J) in FIG. 2.
That is, the electrical discharge waveforms assumed herein are the
electrical discharge waveforms (solid lines) in the electrical
discharge states (2) and (3) illustrated in the waveform (A) in
FIG. 2. Meanwhile, in the description with reference to FIG. 3, the
steps indicating the sequence of operations are abbreviated to
"ST".
[0107] With reference to FIG. 3, upon detecting the discharge
voltage in the machining gap (ST1) and upon detecting the voltage
level and the high-frequency component based on the discharge
voltage (ST2), the comparison results of the two comparators 8 and
21 are input to the discharge pulse diagnosis device 23.
[0108] At the end of the ordinary electrical discharge period in
the corresponding electrical discharge machining, the discharge
pulse diagnosis device 23 first determines, from the output level
of the voltage level comparator 21, whether the voltage level is
larger than the reference voltage Vc (ST3). In the electrical
discharge waveforms (solid lines) in the electrical discharge
states (2) and (3) illustrated in the waveform (A), at the end of
the ordinary electrical discharge period, the output level of the
voltage level comparator 21 is at the H level 36 and the H level
37, respectively, and the voltage level is smaller than the
reference voltage Vc (No at ST3). Thus, the discharge pulse
diagnosis device 23 outputs the fault determination pulse 27b
without determining the output level of the high-frequency
component comparator 8.
[0109] Consequently, the first pulse counter 24 is reset (ST10) and
the second pulse counter 25 starts the counting operation (ST11).
In this example, the second pulse counter 25 counts the fault
determination pulse 27b for a single time.
[0110] Until the second pulse counter 25 counts the fault
determination pulse 27b for L number of times (e.g., L=2) in
succession (No at ST12), the quiescent pulse control device 26
generates the quiescent pulse 28 having the quiescent period set
identical to the previous value (in this example, the unit
quiescent period Toff) and outputs the quiescent pulse 28 to the
discharge pulse control device 22 (ST14). The system control then
returns to ST1.
[0111] The discharge pulse control device 22 outputs, to the
machining power source 1, the second control signal represented by
the waveform (J) in which the actual quiescent period including the
period in which no operation is performed (i.e., quasi quiescent
period .DELTA.Toff) is set as the unit quiescent period Toff. For
that reason, the electrical discharge state in the subsequent
electrical discharge cycle can be expected to improve.
[0112] At ST3 reached via ST1 and ST2, if the voltage level is
still smaller than the reference voltage Vc (No at ST3), the fault
determination pulse 27b is counted for L=2 times at ST11 reached
via ST10 so that the determination at ST12 is affirmative
(Yes).
[0113] Consequently, the quiescent pulse control device 26
generates the quiescent pulse 28 having the quiescent period set to
N times (e.g., N=2) of the previous value (in this example, the
unit quiescent period Toff) and outputs the quiescent pulse 28 to
the discharge pulse control device 22 (ST14). The system control
then returns to ST1.
[0114] The discharge pulse control device 22 outputs, to the
machining power source 1, the second control signal represented by
the waveform (J) in which the actual quiescent period including the
period in which no operation is performed (i.e., quasi quiescent
period .DELTA.Toff) is set as double of the unit quiescent period
Toff. For that reason, the electrical discharge state in the
subsequent electrical discharge cycle can be expected to
improve.
[0115] Subsequently, at ST3 reached vie ST1 and ST2, if the voltage
level is still smaller than the reference voltage Vc (No at ST3),
then identical quiescent period control is performed with double of
the unit quiescent period Toff set as the previous value. In short,
until the voltage level exceeds the reference voltage Vc (No at
ST3), identical quiescent period control is repeated with the
abovementioned previous value set to the multiples of N (N=2).
[0116] At S3 reached via S1 and S2 during that repetitive
operation, when the voltage level exceeds the reference voltage Vc
(Yes at ST3), the discharge pulse diagnosis device 23 determines,
from the output level of the high-frequency component comparator 8,
whether the high-frequency component is larger than the reference
voltage Vref (ST4).
[0117] In this example, in the electrical discharge waveforms
(solid lines) in the electrical discharge states (2) and (3)
illustrated in the waveform (A) in FIG. 2, the extracted amount of
the high-frequency component is small. Thus, the discharge pulse
diagnosis device 23 determines that the high-frequency component is
smaller than the reference voltage Vref (No at ST4) and outputs the
fault determination pulse 27b. Subsequently, the operations at ST10
to ST14 are performed so that the quiescent period becomes longer.
Because of that, it can be considered that the electrical discharge
state improves to the extent of curbing the occurrence of abnormal
electrical discharge and moves into the state of a longer normal
electrical discharge period.
[0118] As a result, when the high-frequency component exceeds the
reference voltage Vref, the determination at ST4 reached via ST1 to
ST3 is affirmative (Yes at ST4) and the discharge pulse diagnosis
device 23 outputs the normality determination pulse 27a.
[0119] Hence, the second pulse counter 25 is reset (ST5) and the
first pulse counter 24 starts the counting operation (ST6). In this
example, the first pulse counter 24 counts the normality
determination pulse 27a for a single time.
[0120] Until the first pulse counter 24 counts the normality
determination pulse 27a for M number of times (e.g., M=2) in
succession (No at ST7), the quiescent pulse control device 26
generates the quiescent pulse 28 having the quiescent period set
equal to the previous value (in this example, even multiple of the
unit quiescent period Toff) and outputs the quiescent pulse 28 to
the discharge pulse control device 22 (ST9). The system control
then returns to ST1.
[0121] The discharge pulse control device 22 outputs, to the
machining power source 1, the actual quiescent period including the
period in which no operation is performed (i.e., quasi quiescent
period .DELTA.Toff) and the second control signal represented by
the waveform (J) set to the previous value (even multiple of unit
quiescent period Toff).
[0122] When the first pulse counter 24 counts the normality
determination pulse 27a for M number of times (M=2) in succession
(Yes at ST7), the quiescent pulse control device 26 generates the
quiescent pulse 28 having the quiescent period set to 1/N times of
the previous value (in this example, even multiple of the unit
quiescent period Toff) and outputs the quiescent pulse 28 to the
discharge pulse control device 22 (ST9). The system control then
returns to ST1.
[0123] The discharge pulse control device 22 outputs, to the
machining power source 1, the actual quiescent period including the
period in which no operation is performed (i.e., quasi quiescent
period .DELTA.Toff) and the second control signal represented by
the waveform (J) set to 1/N times of the previous value (in this
example, even multiple of the unit quiescent period Toff).
[0124] That is, in the operations from ST4 to ST9, the quiescent
period lengthened at ST12 to ST14 for curbing the occurrence of
abnormal electrical discharge is reset to or approximated to the
ordinary predetermined quiescent period Toff that was used for the
ordinary discharge pulse width. Although not illustrated in FIG. 3,
if the quiescent period lengthened in order to curb the occurrence
of abnormal electrical discharge cannot be reset to the ordinary
predetermined quiescent period Toff by performing the operations
from ST4 to ST9 only once, then those operations can be performed
more than once. As described above, the quiescent period control is
performed.
[0125] FIG. 4 is a machining characteristic diagram illustrating a
comparison between the machining characteristic according to the
first embodiment and the machining characteristic according to the
conventional technology. In FIG. 4, the vertical axis represents
the machining depth (mm) and the horizontal axis represents the
time (min). Moreover, a characteristic curve 39a indicates the
machining performance according to the first embodiment and a
characteristic curve 39b indicates the machining performance
according to the conventional technology.
[0126] In FIG. 4 is illustrated the machining characteristic when
electrical discharge machining is performed with the machining
depth of 50 mm. The machining electrode is a graphite rib and the
thickness of the tip is 1 mm and the overlap of 10 mm. The
machining object is made of steel. The liquid processing is
jet-less. The machining conditions include the peak current value
of 40 A, the pulse width of 200 .mu.s, the quiescent period of 500
.mu.s, the jump-up distance of 8.0 mm, and the jump-down time of
250 ms.
[0127] In the machining performance 39a according to the first
embodiment, it was found that the machining time is almost
identical to the machining time in the machining performance 39b
according to the conventional technology, but reduction in the
electrode wear and reduction in the occurrence of granular
projections (adhesion of carbide) can be achieved.
[0128] As described above, according to the first embodiment,
cutoff control of the discharge pulse width is performed not on the
basis of the detection of the high-frequency component but on the
basis of the magnitude relation between the discharge voltage level
and the reference voltage Vc. Therefore, even if there is
occurrence of abnormal electrical discharge by which the discharge
voltage drops along the way, the discharge pulse width can be cut
off with precision and can be controlled at an optimal level in the
normal electrical discharge period.
[0129] Moreover, since the quiescent period is controlled on the
basis of the magnitude relation between the high-frequency
component and the voltage reference Vref and the magnitude relation
between the discharge voltage level and the reference voltage Vc,
it becomes possible to accurately identify a normal discharge pulse
or an abnormal discharge pulse and perform setting control of an
appropriate quiescent period. That makes it possible to curb the
occurrence of abnormal electrical discharge in the machining gap
and prevent damage to the machining electrode or the machining
object. Moreover, the occurrence of granular projections (adhesion
of carbide) can also be prevented.
[0130] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the explanation is
given for controlling the quiescent period at the time of
occurrence of abnormal electrical discharge. Along with that, it is
also possible to control the machining conditions such as the
jump-down time or the jump-up distance. In this case, simply put, a
function for controlling the machining conditions such as the
jump-down time or the jump-up distance can be added to the
quiescent pulse control device 26.
[0131] In the first embodiment, the explanation is given for
controlling the quiescent period at the time of occurrence of
abnormal electrical discharge. Along with that, or in place of the
quiescent period control, it is also possible to perform
thinning-out control of the discharge pulse. In the case of
performing the thinning-out control of the discharge pulse along
with the quiescent period control, it is desirable to connect an
input device for inputting the number of discharge pulses to be
thinned-out to the discharge pulse control device 22 so that the
number of discharge pulses to be thinned-out is changeable.
[0132] Consider the case of performing the thinning-out control of
the discharge pulse in place of the quiescent period control. With
reference to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1, when the
discharge pulse diagnosis device 23 determines an abnormal
discharge pulse, the quiescent pulse control device 26 can be
configured to notify the number of discharge pulses to be
thinned-out to the discharge pulse control device 22 instead of
outputting the quiescent pulse. That is, the quiescent pulse
control device 26 can be referred to as a thin-out number deciding
unit.
Second Embodiment
[0133] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a
power source controller of an electrical discharge machine
according to a second embodiment of the present embodiment. In FIG.
5, components identical or equivalent to those illustrated in FIG.
1 (according to the first embodiment) are referred to by the same
reference numerals. In the following description, the focus is on
the portion related to the second embodiment.
[0134] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the power source controller of an
electrical discharge machine according to the second embodiment
includes, in addition to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1
(according to the first embodiment), a third pulse counter 40 that
is a normal discharge pulse counter, a fourth pulse counter 41 that
is an abnormal discharge pulse counter, a normal discharge pulse
incidence measuring device 42, a mean quiescent calculating device
43, a machining stability recognizing device 44, and a machining
condition control device 45.
[0135] The third pulse counter 40 counts the normality
determination pulse 27a output by the discharge pulse diagnosis
device 23. The fourth pulse counter 41 counts the fault
determination pulse 27b output by the discharge pulse diagnosis
device 23.
[0136] The normal discharge pulse incidence measuring device 42
measures the normal discharge pulse incidence by making use of the
count value of the normality determination pulse 27a counted for a
predetermined period (e.g., 500 .mu.s) by the third pulse counter
40 and the count value of the fault determination pulse 27b counted
for a predetermined period (e.g., 500 .mu.s) by the fourth pulse
counter 41 and performing calculation as follows: (count value of
normality determination pulse 27a)/(count value of normality
determination pulse 27a+count value of fault determination pulse
27b).
[0137] The mean quiescent calculating device 43 calculates the mean
value within a predetermined period (e.g., 500 .mu.s) of the
quiescent period, which is subjected to change control by the
quiescent period control unit 29 by following the sequence
illustrated in FIG. 3. As can be understood from the explanation
with reference to FIG. 3, the calculated mean quiescent period
changes to different extents according to the mode of occurrence of
abnormal electrical discharge.
[0138] As explained with reference to FIG. 3, in an electrical
discharge state in which the fault determination pulse 27b is
output in succession for a predetermined number of times by the
discharge pulse diagnosis device 23, the quiescent period is
lengthened for curbing the occurrence of abnormal electrical
discharge. Thus, it can be considered that the electrical discharge
state moves into stability.
[0139] The machining stability recognizing device 44 recognizes
"stability" or "instability" of the machining state from the extent
or elongation of the mean quiescent period calculated by the mean
quiescent calculating device 43. For example, the machining
stability recognizing device 44 recognizes "stability" when the
mean quiescent period exceeds 1.6 times of the unit quiescent
period Toff and recognizes "instability" when the mean quiescent
period is smaller than 1.6 times of the unit quiescent period Toff.
Meanwhile, "1.6 times" is an empirically set value and is
irrelevant to the value N explained with reference to FIG. 3.
[0140] The machining condition control device 45 controls switching
of the machining conditions (quiescent period, jump-down time,
jump-up distance, etc.) by following a sequence described, for
example, with reference to FIG. 6 on the basis of the recognition
result regarding "stability" or "instability" of the machining
stability recognizing device 44 and the normal discharge pulse
incidence measured by the normal discharge pulse incidence
measuring device 42. Although not illustrated, the machining
condition control device 45 sends the controlled quiescent period
to the discharge pulse control device 22. Moreover, the machining
condition control device 45 sends the controlled jump-down time or
the controlled jump-up distance to a machining gap control unit
(not illustrated) that controls movement of the machining electrode
2. The detailed explanation is given below with reference to FIG.
6.
[0141] FIG. 6 is a flowchart explaining the operations performed by
the machining condition control device illustrated in FIG. 5. With
reference to FIG. 6, firstly, it is determined whether the
machining stability recognizing device 44 has recognized the
machining state to be "stable" (ST20). If the machining stability
recognizing device 44 has recognized the machining state to be
"unstable" (No at ST20), then an avoidance operation is performed
so that the set machining conditions (e.g., the quiescent period
set in the discharge pulse control device 22) are largely changed
(in this example, by largely increasing the quiescent period)
(ST21). The recognition status of the machining stability
recognizing device 44 is monitored for a change (ST22).
[0142] If the result of monitoring at ST22 indicates that the
machining stability recognizing device 44 is still recognizing the
machining state to be "unstable" (No at ST22), the avoidance
operation (ST21) is repeated. Subsequently, when the machining
stability recognizing device 44 recognizes the machining state to
be "stable" (Yes at ST22), a return operation is performed so that
the machining conditions return to the pre-avoidance-operation
state prior to ST21 (in this example, pre-avoidance-operation
quiescent period) (ST23). Then, the system control returns to ST20
for determining whether the machining stability recognizing device
44 has recognized the machining state to be "stable".
[0143] If the machining stability recognizing device 44 has
recognized the machining state to be "stable" (Yes at ST20), then
it is monitored whether that state continues for a predetermined
period (e.g., 400 times of cycling time of 0.25 seconds) (ST24). If
the state in which the machining stability recognizing device 44
recognizes the machining state to be "stable" (Yes at ST20)
continues for a predetermined period (Yes at ST24), then an
optimization operation is performed with respect to the quiescent
period set in the discharge pulse control device 22 and the
jump-down time or the jump-up distance set in the machining gap
control unit (not illustrated) that controls movement of the
machining electrode 2 so that the machining efficiency improves
(ST25). For example, the optimization operation is performed with
respect to the jump-down time (Jd=Jd-1 notch), the jump-up distance
(Ju=Ju-1 notch), and the quiescent period (OFF=OFF-1 notch) in that
order.
[0144] Subsequently, it is again determined whether the machining
stability recognizing device 44 has recognized the machining state
to be "stable" (ST26) and if the machining stability recognizing
device 44 has recognized the machining state to be "unstable" (No
at ST26), then the system control returns to ST20 and the machining
condition control is started afresh.
[0145] Conversely, if the machining stability recognizing device 44
has recognized the machining state to be "stable" (Yes at ST26),
then it is determined whether the normal discharge pulse incidence
is high when calculated in a period (e.g., 30 seconds) set after a
change in the machining conditions (ST27). If the normal discharge
pulse incidence is high at, for example, 80% or more (Yes at ST27),
then it is determined that the optimization operation has yielded a
favorable result. The system control then returns to ST25 for
continually performing the optimization operation. If the normal
discharge pulse incidence is low (No at ST27), then the system
control returns to ST20 and the machining condition control is
started afresh. This is the manner in which the machining condition
control is performed.
[0146] FIG. 7 is a machining characteristic diagram illustrating a
comparison between the machining characteristic according to the
second embodiment and the machining characteristic according to the
conventional technology. In FIG. 7, the vertical axis represents
the machining depth (mm) and the horizontal axis represents the
time (min). Moreover, a characteristic curve 50a indicates the
machining performance according to the second embodiment and a
characteristic curve 50b indicates the machining performance
according to the conventional technology.
[0147] In FIG. 7 is illustrated the machining characteristic when
machining is performed with the machining depth of 50 mm. The
machining electrode is a graphite rib and the thickness of the tip
is 1 mm and the overlap of 10 mm. The machining object is made of
steel. The liquid processing is jet-less. The machining conditions
include the peak current value of 45 A, the pulse width of 200
.mu.s, the quiescent period of 500 .mu.s, the jump-up distance of
8.0 mm, and the jump-down time of 250 ms.
[0148] In the machining performance 50a according to the second
embodiment, it was found that the machining time becomes shorter
than the machining time in the conventional technology and that
reduction in the electrode wear and reduction in the occurrence of
granular projections (adhesion of carbide) can be achieved.
[0149] In this way, according to the second embodiment, the
machining conditions are changed to enable an increase in the
normal discharge pulse incidence. That makes it possible to perform
optimal control of the machining conditions such as the quiescent
period, the jump-down time, and the jump-up distance. As a result,
it becomes possible to perform electrical discharge machining at
the maximum machining speed while reducing the electrode wear as
well as reducing the occurrence of granular projections (adhesion
of carbide).
[0150] Meanwhile, although, in the second embodiment, the
description is given for the case of changing the machining
conditions to enable an increase in the normal discharge pulse
incidence, the machining conditions can also be changed to enable
an increase in the number of normal discharge pulses. In that case,
with reference to FIG. 5, the fourth pulse counter 41 and the
normal discharge pulse incidence measuring device 42 can be removed
and the count value of the third pulse counter 40 can be directly
sent to the machining condition control device 45.
Third Embodiment
[0151] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a
power source controller of an electrical discharge machine
according to a third embodiment of the present embodiment. In FIG.
8, components identical or equivalent to those illustrated in FIG.
1 (according to the first embodiment) are referred to by the same
reference numerals. In the following description, the focus is on
the portion related to the third embodiment.
[0152] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the power source controller of an
electrical discharge machine according to the third embodiment
includes a reference value setting device 15b in place of the
reference value setting device 15a in the configuration illustrated
in FIG. 1 (according to the first embodiment).
[0153] The reference value setting device 15b supplies a reference
voltage Vref' to the high-frequency component comparator 8 and
supplies a reference voltage Vc' to the voltage level comparator
21. The reference voltage Vref' and the reference voltage Vc' are
reference voltages selected according to the material of the
machining electrode 2 and the machining object 3 that form the
machining gap.
[0154] The reference value setting device 15b is configured in such
a way that the reference voltage Vref' and the reference voltage
Vc' can be selected and input manually according to the material of
the machining electrode 2 and the machining object 3.
Alternatively, the reference value setting device 15b is configured
to include a relation table for the relation between the materials
of the machining electrode 2 and the machining object 3 with the
respective reference voltages Vref' and the respective reference
voltages Vc'. Then, upon receiving an input of the material of the
machining electrode 2 and the machining object 3 forming the
machining gap, the reference value setting device 15b reads the
corresponding reference voltage Vref' and the corresponding
reference voltage Vc' from the relation table.
[0155] In this configuration, the high-frequency component that is
superimposed on the voltage at the time of electrical discharge
occurring in the machining gap is compared with the reference
voltage Vref'. If the high-frequency component is larger than the
reference voltage Vref', then normal electrical discharge is
determined to have occurred. If the high-frequency component is
smaller than the reference voltage Vref', then abnormal electrical
discharge is determined to have occurred. Similarly, the voltage
level in the machining gap is compared with the reference voltage
Vc'. If the voltage level is larger than the reference voltage Vc',
then normal electrical discharge is determined to have occurred. If
the voltage level is smaller than the reference voltage Vc', then
abnormal electrical discharge is determined to have occurred.
[0156] At the time of abnormal electrical discharge, the discharge
pulse width and the quiescent period are controlled in a sequence
identical to that described in the first embodiment. While
controlling the quiescent period, the operation details can be
changed by varying the constants M, L, and N illustrated in FIG. 3
corresponding to the reference voltage Vref' and the reference
voltage Vc'. Moreover, the thinning-out control of the discharge
pulse can also be performed in an identical manner to that
described in the first embodiment.
[0157] FIG. 9 is a machining characteristic diagram illustrating a
comparison between the machining characteristic according to the
third embodiment and the machining characteristic according to the
conventional technology. In FIG. 9, the vertical axis represents
the machining depth (mm) and the horizontal axis represents the
time (min). Moreover, a characteristic curve 55a indicates the
machining performance according to the third embodiment and a
characteristic curve 55b indicates the machining performance
according to the conventional technology.
[0158] In FIG. 9 is illustrated the machining characteristic when
machining is performed with the machining depth of 50 mm. The
machining electrode is a graphite electrode having a 10 mm square
tip. The machining object is made of steel alloy. The liquid
processing is jet-less. The machining conditions include the peak
current value of 25 A, the pulse width of 200 .mu.s, the quiescent
period of 100 .mu.s, the jump-up distance of 1.4 mm, and the
jump-down time of 500 ms.
[0159] In the machining performance 55b according to the
conventional technology, arc discharge (abnormal electrical
discharge) was found to have occurred after 10 seconds from the
start. In contrast, in the machining performance 55a according to
the third embodiment, the occurrence of abnormal electrical
discharge was not found and it was possible to perform stable
machining.
[0160] In this way, according to the third embodiment, the
reference voltage for comparison with the high-frequency component
and the reference voltage for comparison with the discharge voltage
level are selected according to the material of the machining
electrode and the machining object. Hence, even if the machining
electrode and the machining object are made of a special material,
it is possible to perform stable machining while preventing the
occurrence of abnormal electrical discharge.
[0161] Meanwhile, the third embodiment is given as an example of
the application of the first embodiment. In an identical manner, in
the second embodiment too, the reference value setting device 15b
can be disposed in place of the reference value setting device
15a.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0162] As described above, the power source controller of an
electrical discharge machine according to the present invention is
suitable in detecting the electrical discharge state with precision
and suitable in optimally controlling the discharge pulse width and
the quiescent period even if the discharge voltage decreases due to
the occurrence of abnormal electrical discharge so that occurrence
of abnormal electrical discharge and electrode wear is reduced and
occurrence of granular projections (adhesion of carbide) is
prevented, and is particularly suitable as the power source
controller of a die-sinking electrical discharge machine.
* * * * *